Welcome to the Cofrin Center for Biodiversity

Research

bird census locations Baseline research at Point au Sauble was initiated during 1999 with funding from an endowment donated by the Fox River Group. Even though Point au Sauble is widely recognized as one of the only remaining wetlands on the east side of Green Bay, little was known about this ecosystem and its biota. Bird banding and surveys are being conducted to understand how birds use the Point during the nesting and migration seasons. Surveys on other vertebrates and invertebrates of Point au Sauble will be conducted during future years to provide a more complete picture of the fauna in this unique area.

Amphibians and Reptile Species List
Birds Species List
- Bird Banding
- Bird Survey Sites (or click on numbers on map above)
  - Site 1|Site 2|Site 3|Site 4|Site 5|Site 6|Site 7|Site 8|Site 9

The aquatic habitats on Point Sauble are strongly influenced by changing water levels in Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Computerized water-level monitoring stations have been established in the lagoon and at the outlet of Wequiock Creek to help us understand the dynamics of the estuarine environment. Results so far show a remarkably changeable system, with water levels rising and falling as much as 50 cm within an hour. The lagoon, on the other hand, exhibits much more gradual water level changes, although it receives "pulses" of water periodically throughout the year.

Students at bird banding station Thanks to funds from the Fox River Group Endowment, student and faculty research will maintain long-term studies of the Point au Sauble biota and physical environment. Results will contribute to our general understanding of Great Lakes ecosystems and will help protect this fascinating remnant of Green Bay's coastal wetlands.

A number of graduate and undergraduate students have conducted research projects at Point au Sauble, including surveys on invertebrates, plants, and birds, as well as hydrology and soils.

See the Cofrin Research Grants to apply for student research grants.

Biodiversity Topics: Introduction . Plants . Animals . Mammals . Birds . Reptiles & Amphibians . Arthropods . Spiders . Insects